Copycat Red Lobster Chocolate Wave Cake – Easy Step Recipe

Posted on September 24, 2025

Red Lobster Famous Chocolate Wave Cake 1

The Chocolate Wave Cake Recipe from Red Lobster is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Imagine a forkful of rich, velvety chocolate cake that melts into a wave of sweetness, balanced by a light crunch and a glossy finish. It’s the kind of treat that feels both indulgent and comforting, whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or simply craving a homemade chocolate masterpiece.

What makes this cake special is its versatility. Some bakers swear by adding walnuts for a nutty crunch, while others prefer the pure, smooth chocolate flavor without extras. However you choose to prepare it, this recipe captures the essence of a classic restaurant dessert and brings it right into your kitchen.

Cooking Tools

Before starting, it’s helpful to gather all the tools you’ll need. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

  • Electric mixer
  • Microwave
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons

With these simple tools on hand, you’ll be fully prepared to whip up your Chocolate Wave Cake without any hassle.

Ingredients

This Chocolate Wave Cake is all about rich flavor and a soft, moist texture. Gathering the right ingredients beforehand ensures your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, divided (2 cups + 4 tablespoons)
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup + 5 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

With these simple yet indulgent ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to recreate a restaurant-style chocolate cake right in your own kitchen.

Topping:

A rich cake deserves a finishing touch, and these simple toppings add both flavor and a little visual flair to your Chocolate Wave Cake.

  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted (divided)
  • Something fun, such as a strawberry or lemon slice, for decoration

These toppings are flexible—keep it classic with butter or add a playful garnish to make your dessert look as good as it tastes.

Preparation

Baking this Chocolate Wave Cake is straightforward, but following each step carefully ensures the perfect texture—soft, rich, and full of chocolate flavor.

Prepare the Pan Grease and flour an 8‑inch cake pan to prevent sticking, then set it aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a lighter cake texture.

Coat the Chocolate Chips Toss a portion of the chocolate chips with a little flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

Melt the Butter Microwave the butter in short bursts until melted and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before using.

Cream Butter and Sugar In a large bowl, beat the melted butter with sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds the base of your batter.

Add Eggs and Flavoring Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid over‑mixing.

Fold in Chocolate and Nuts Gently fold in the coated chocolate chips and walnuts (if using) to add texture and richness.

Bake the Cake Pour the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with extra chocolate chips if desired, and bake at 350°F for 20–23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake Let the cake rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.

Prepare the Filling Melt butter with chocolate chips, then spread a thin layer between cooled cake tiers. This creates the signature “wave” effect.

Finish with Topping Drizzle melted chocolate or pipe decorative lines on top. Chill briefly to set, then garnish with a strawberry or lemon slice before serving.

Nutrition Facts of Chocolate Wave Cake Recipe (Red Lobster Inspired)

Even a decadent dessert like the Chocolate Wave Cake can be broken down into simple nutrition values, giving you a clear idea of what’s in each serving.

NutritionAmount
Calories298
Proteins14.4 g
Carbs62.6 g
Fats16.5 g
Fiber3.9 g
Carriers588.9

These numbers highlight the richness of the cake—high in carbs and fats for that indulgent texture, yet balanced with protein and fiber to round it out.

Healthy Benefits of Chocolate Wave Cake Recipe Red Lobster:

Lower in Saturated Fat: This cake is prepared with fats that lean more toward unsaturated sources, making it lighter in saturated fat compared to many traditional desserts. A reduced saturated fat content can support heart health and may be a better option for those watching their calorie intake.

Good Source of Fiber: Thanks to ingredients that provide soluble fiber, this cake can aid digestion, help regulate blood sugar levels, and contribute to lowering cholesterol. Fiber also promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help with portion control.

Protein Content: Beyond its indulgent flavor, the cake offers a boost of protein—an essential nutrient for repairing tissues, building enzymes, and supporting immune function. Protein also plays a role in maintaining healthy hair and strong muscles.

Rich in Key Nutrients: The recipe delivers important minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron. Potassium helps balance sodium levels and supports healthy blood pressure, while iron is vital for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.

Freezing Ideas for Chocolate Wave Cake Recipe (Red Lobster Inspired)

If you’d like to make this cake in advance or save a few slices for later, freezing is the perfect solution. Done properly, it helps lock in the cake’s rich flavor and fudgy texture without drying it out.

  • Allow the cake to cool completely after baking.
  • Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Freeze for about 4 hours to set the structure.
  • For best results, return it to the freezer for another couple of hours until the topping or frosting is firm.

By freezing in stages, the cake stays moist and decadent, ready to enjoy whenever you’re in the mood for a restaurant‑style chocolate treat at home.

Tips

A few handy pointers can help your Chocolate Wave Cake come out perfectly every time, giving you consistent results and a smoother baking process.

  • No stand mixer? No problem. A sturdy mixing bowl and a wooden spoon will do the job just fine for blending the batter evenly.
  • Take a moment to explore the recipe details, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments—we’d love to hear how it turned out for you.
  • Thanks for stopping by! We hope this recipe brings a little sweetness to your day and makes your week even brighter.

These small suggestions not only make baking easier but also create a sense of connection with others who enjoy this indulgent dessert.

Red Lobster Famous Chocolate Wave Cake 1

Red Lobster Famous Chocolate Wave Cake at Home

Mary
This Chocolate Wave Cake recipe is a rich, indulgent dessert inspired by Red Lobster’s signature treat. With layers of moist chocolate cake, a luscious filling, and a glossy chocolate topping, it’s the perfect show‑stopping dessert to bake at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American, Copycat Restaurant Recipe
Servings 8 servings
Calories 298 kcal

Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Microwave
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup utter, softened
  • 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks, divided (2 cups + 4 tablespoons)
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup + 5 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Topping

  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted (divided)
  • strawberry or lemon slice, for decoration

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Pan & Dry Mix: Grease and flour an 8‑inch cake pan. In one bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. In another, toss chocolate chips with a little flour to coat.
  • Make the Batter: Melt butter in the microwave, then beat with sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and milk. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chips.
    Make the Batter
  • Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with extra chocolate chips if desired, and bake at 350°F for 20–23 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
    Bake the Cake
  • Prepare the Filling & Topping: Melt butter and stir in chocolate chips (and walnuts if using). Spread a thin layer between cooled cake tiers. For topping, melt more chocolate, mix with butter, and spread or drizzle over the cake.
    Prepare the Filling & Topping 1
  • Decorate & Serve: Use a pastry bag to pipe chocolate lines or swirls on top. Chill for 20 minutes until set. Garnish with a strawberry or lemon slice before serving.
Keyword Chocolate Wave Cake, copycat chocolate cake, easy chocolate wave cake, Red Lobster dessert recipe, restaurant‑style chocolate cake

5 Creative Ways to Give Your Cake a Stunning Look

Cake decorating doesn’t have to be intimidating—sometimes the simplest details can transform a homemade dessert into something that looks straight out of a bakery. Here are five fun ideas to try:

  1. Citrus‑Kissed Chocolate Glaze Stir a splash of orange juice into melted chocolate and drizzle it over the cake for a glossy finish with a hint of citrus brightness.
  2. Simple Spiral Design If you’d rather not cover the whole cake, create a spiral pattern on top. It’s quick, eye‑catching, and adds depth without much effort.
  3. Buttercream Swirl Drizzle Fill a piping bag with buttercream frosting and use a round tip to pipe swirls or zigzags across the cake. Vary the pressure for playful, asymmetrical designs.
  4. Classic Chocolate Drizzle Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler, then spoon the warm chocolate over the cake. Allow it to cool and set in the fridge for a sleek, professional look.
  5. Blackberry Chantilly Cream Whip cream until stiff peaks form, fold in fresh blackberries, and pipe the mixture on top for a fruity, elegant topping that adds both flavor and color.

These simple decorating tricks prove that you don’t need advanced skills to make your cake look impressive—just a few ingredients and a touch of creativity.

Is It Suitable for Diabetic Patients?

It is suitable for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics as well.

Red lobster chocolate wave cake price?

You can make chocolate wave cake for 4 to 6 people at around $10 to $12 per person.

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